Duo breathes new life into gospel jazz

Published
6:00 pm CST, Wednesday, December 25, 2002

The dynamic duo, singer Samantha Cochran and pianist Bernard Pierre, energize the crowd with attention and humor when they perform Friday and Saturday nights in The Watermark Bar and Lounge and The Glass Menagerie.

By MELANIE HILLIS

The blend of their musical backgrounds energizes the audience.

"I want people to enjoy themselves and to be happy," said Bernard.

Samantha said that the duo's popularity stems from the attention that they give to the people in the audience.

Cindy Cochran, Bernard and Samantha's manager, said that one night the duo energized the audience enough that a conga line danced around lounge tables and chairs. Cindy said that Bob Nelson, director of hospitality at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center, said that the conga line was probably the first in The Woodlands.

Cindy said that as a result of Samantha and Bernard's respect for one another's talents, people enjoy them even more.

"As they perform singing and playing, people notice they're having a good time," said Cindy. "They enjoy it so much because they really appreciate one another."

Cindy is active in the group as more than just a manager; she's also a songwriter. The group laughed as they told a story about how Cindy wrote a song on the spot at a party in The Glass Menagerie.

"Me and Samantha were getting together, and I just wrote a song right there," said Samantha. "It's just so much fun."

Samantha said that the resort is a great gig which they enjoy, but their true love is gospel jazz.

Bernard, 30, and Samantha, 20, have been performing for five years. The two finished their first project together, a gospel album titled "Forever Changed."

Bernard's Bahamas flavor, Samantha's jazz and blues background and Cindy's songwriting talent create an unique sound in the Christian music industry, said the musicians.

"It's just a weird chemistry between us that you don't normally get when you put a singer and a pianist together," said Samantha. "We're real comfortable together."

Cindy said that when people hear the two sing gospel music, it is immediately sensed that this is their calling.

"You know that is what they need to be doing," said Cindy. "They have been given a gift."

Bernard said that there is not enough gospel jazz on the market; therefore, they want to make a dent in the Christian music industry with their original music and Samantha's unique voice.

"Samantha's voice is so beautiful," said Bernard. "I don't think that her voice is being stretched to her capabilities. She sounds like a song bird."

Their humor is transferred into their music. People can have fun with gospel jazz, said Samantha.

"People don't know that you can jam to gospel music," said Samantha. "While listening, it's not, 'Well let's just look at each other.' You can really get down."

In all the fun, there is a seriousness in the gospel music.

"We want people to know that Jesus Christ is still recognized," said Bernard.

Samantha said that she wants people to walk away from their performance with a relaxation and inner peace.

"I know when I go to a gospel concert, I feel like I was supposed to be there at that moment," said Samantha.

Bernard said that the duo had a special moment at one of their performances. For the Pregnancy Assistant Center North, Samantha and Bernard sang an emotional song written by Cindy titled "Forgiving Eyes" at a gala. The song, a tribute to the PACN volunteers, was performed. The audience was touched with tears rolling down their faces, said Cindy.

Cindy said that when people listen to the music feeling blessed by hearing it, then the two are doing something right.

"I just want people to sit down and really listen, and when they listen, then they really get the message," said Samantha.

Samantha and Bernard said that the gospel music comes from the heart. They are not seeking popularity or presentation. Samantha said that the two are not a lounge act that caters to the crowd.

"Once you hear their gospel, though, you know that they can do anything," said Cindy. "They get lost in their songs and the audience is pulled into their music."

Bernard said that the support of the community is refreshing because there are times that the duo is discouraged.

"Sometimes I think, 'Am I going to be alive to see our music happen?'" laughed Bernard.

Their primary focus is on their album and gospel music. They joke when they are asked about their long-term goals.

"Awards would be good and getting into heaven would be great," Samantha said.

Once the album is successful, the two look to pursue other paths.

"When we retire early, I want to score movies," said Bernard.

Samantha said that acting is another passion of hers, but she said that nothing takes away from singing in front of an audience.